Electronic vaping device, battery section, and charger

ABSTRACT

A battery section of an electronic vaping device may include a housing extending in a longitudinal direction, the housing having a first end and a second end, a power supply in the housing, a control circuit in the housing, and a conductive contact assembly at the second end of the housing, the contact assembly electrically connecting the power supply and the control circuit. The contact assembly is configured to receive external power and at least one command.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to an electronic vaping or e-vapingdevice.

Description of Related Art

An e-vaping device includes a heater element which vaporizes a pre-vaporformulation to produce a “vapor.”

The e-vaping device includes a power supply, such as a rechargeablebattery, arranged in the device. The battery is electrically connectedto the heater, such that the heater heats to a temperature sufficient toconvert the pre-vapor formulation to a vapor. The vapor exits thee-vaping device through a mouthpiece including at least one outlet.

SUMMARY

At least one example embodiment relates to a battery section of anelectronic vaping device.

In at least one example embodiment, a battery section of an electronicvaping device may comprise a housing extending in a longitudinaldirection, the housing having a first end and a second end, a powersupply in the housing, a control circuit in the housing, and aconductive contact assembly at the second end of the housing, thecontact assembly electrically connecting the power supply and thecontrol circuit, the contact assembly configured to receive externalpower and at least one command.

In at least one example embodiment, the control circuit is configured todetect at least one of a change in resistance and a change incapacitance so as to detect the at least one command.

In at least one example embodiment, the contact assembly comprises acharge anode and a charge cathode. The control circuit comprises aswitch configured to electrically separate the charge cathode from acommon ground plane.

In at least one example embodiment, the contact assembly comprises afirst contact and a second contact insulated from the first contact. Oneof the first contact and the second contact is generally ring-shaped andone of the first contact and the second contact forms at least a portionof an end wall of the battery section. The end wall extends generallytransverse to the longitudinal direction. The first contact may be theend wall and the second contact may be generally ring-shaped, and mayextend about a perimeter of the end wall. The end wall may besubstantially opaque.

In at least one example embodiment, the contact assembly may furthercomprise an end cap housing configured to hold the first contacttherein, the end cap housing including at least one slot. The secondcontact may be integrally formed with at least one tab extending in thelongitudinal direction. The at least one tab may be configured to bereceived in the at least one slot. The end cap housing may include agenerally cylindrical sidewall. The sidewall defining an orificeextending through the end cap housing. A first portion of the generallycylindrical sidewall is received within the housing at the second endthereof. A second portion of the sidewall is not within the housing. Thesecond portion may be substantially transparent. The end wall mayinclude a printed circuit board.

In at least one example embodiment, at least one of the first contactand the second contact may be magnetic. At least one of the firstcontact and the second contact is formed of at least one of stainlesssteel, gold, or silver.

At least one example embodiment relates to an electronic vaping device.

In at least one example embodiment, an electronic vaping devicecomprises a housing extending in a longitudinal direction, the housinghaving a first end and a second end, a power supply in the housing, acontrol circuit in the housing, a conductive contact assembly at thesecond end of the housing, a reservoir configured to contain a pre-vaporformulation, and a heater configured to heat the pre-vapor formulation,the heater electrically connected to the power supply. The contactassembly electrically connects the power supply and the control circuit.The contact assembly may be configured to receive external power and atleast one command.

In at least one example embodiment, the control circuit is configured todetect at least one of a change in resistance and a change incapacitance so as to detect the at least one command.

In at least one example embodiment, the contact assembly comprises acharge anode and a charge cathode. The control circuit comprises aswitch configured to electrically separate the charge cathode from acommon ground plane. The contact assembly comprises a first contact anda second contact insulated from the first contact. The second contactmay be generally ring-shaped and the first contact may form at least aportion of an end wall. The end wall of the battery section may extendgenerally transverse to the longitudinal direction.

In at least one example embodiment, the contact assembly furthercomprises an end cap housing configured to hold the first contacttherein. The end cap housing may include at least one slot. The secondcontact may be integrally formed with at least one tab extending in thelongitudinal direction. The at least one tab is configured to bereceived in the at least one slot.

In at least one example embodiment, the electronic vaping deviceincludes a battery section and a first section. The battery section maycontain the power supply, the control circuit, and the conductivecontact assembly. The first section may contain the reservoir and theheater

At least one example embodiment relates to a USB charger.

In at least one example embodiment, a USB charger comprises a housing.The housing includes a top wall having a charging slot therein, a firstcharger contact in the charging slot, a second charger contact in thecharging slot, a bottom wall opposite the top wall, and at least onesidewall between the top wall and the bottom wall. The charging slot maybe configured to receive an end of the electronic vaping device. Thecharger also includes at least one magnet adjacent the charging slot.The charger may also include a light pipe surrounding the charging slotand extending from the charging slot to an external surface of the USBcharger. The light pipe may be configured to communicate and/or transmitlight from an electronic vaping device to the external surface of theUSB charger indicate charge status of the electronic vaping device. Thehousing defines an internal compartment. The charger may furthercomprise charger circuitry contained within the internal compartment.The charger circuitry is in communication with the first charger contactand the second charger contact.

At least one example embodiment relates to a battery section of anelectronic vaping device.

In at least one example embodiment, the battery section comprises ahousing extending in a longitudinal direction, the housing having afirst end and a second end, a power supply in the housing, a conductivecontact assembly at the second end of the housing, the contact assemblyelectrically connecting the power supply and the control circuit, and acontrol circuit in the housing configured to detect at least one of achange in resistance and a change in capacitance so as to detect inputof the at least one command. The contact assembly is configured toreceive external power and at least one command. The contact assemblymay include a charge anode and a charge cathode. The control circuitcomprises a switch configured to electrically separate the chargecathode from a common ground plane.

At least one other example embodiment provides an electronic vapingdevice including a battery section. The battery section includes: afirst housing extending in a longitudinal direction; a power supply inthe first housing, the power supply configured to provide power to aheater coil when the battery section is engaged with a cartridge sectionincluding a reservoir and the heater coil; and a control circuitincluding a resistance measurement circuit and a controller. The controlcircuit is configured to: measure an initial resistance of the heatercoil in the analog domain; calculate a reference resistance of theheater coil in the digital domain based on the measured initialresistance; measure a current resistance of the heater coil in responseto detection of a puff event; calculate a percentage change inresistance of the heater coil based on the measured current resistanceand the reference resistance of the heater coil; and control power tothe heater coil based on the calculated percentage change in resistanceof the heater coil.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodimentsherein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed descriptionin conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawingsare merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not beinterpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawingsare not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Forpurposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have beenexaggerated.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an e-vaping device according to at least oneexample embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of the e-vaping deviceof FIG. 1 according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of an end of the battery section of ane-vaping device according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of an end of a battery section of ane-vaping device according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the conductive contact assembly of FIG. 2according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the conductive contact assembly ofFIG. 2 according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example embodiment of acontrol circuit of the e-vaping device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a circuit of the e-vaping device of FIG. 1according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a circuit of the e-vaping device of FIG. 1according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a charger of an e-vaping deviceaccording to at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the charger of FIG. 9 according to at least oneexample embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the charger of FIGS. 9 and 10 accordingto at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the charger of FIG. 10 along lineXII-XII according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a charger contact assembly of the chargerof FIGS. 9-12 according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating an example embodiment of a methodof operating the control circuit shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating another example embodiment of amethod of operating the control circuit shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating an example embodiment of a methodof operating the control circuit in the calibration phase.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating an example embodiment of a methodof operating the control circuit in the resistance measurement phase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merelyrepresentative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Exampleembodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and shouldnot be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forthherein.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of variousmodifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof areshown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described indetail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent tolimit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to thecontrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of exampleembodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout thedescription of the figures.

It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another elementor layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or coveringthe other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As usedherein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third,etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions,layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. Theseterms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a firstelement, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could betermed a second element, component, region, layer, or section withoutdeparting from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood thatthe spatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing variousexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of exampleembodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference tocross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of exampleembodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations asa result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances,are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed aslimited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to includedeviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. Itwill be further understood that terms, including those defined incommonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant artand will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal senseunless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an e-vaping device according to at least oneexample embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an electronicvaping device (e-vaping device) 60 may include a replaceable cartridge(or first section) 70 and a reusable battery section (or second section)72, which may be coupled together at a threaded connector 205. It shouldbe appreciated that the connector 205 may be any type of connector, suchas a snug-fit, detent, clamp, bayonet, and/or clasp.

In at least one example embodiment, the connector 205 may be theconnector described in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/154,439, filed May13, 2016, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein byreference thereto. As described in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/154,439,the connector 205 may be formed by a deep drawn process.

In at least one example embodiment, the first section 70 may include ahousing 6 and the second section 72 may include a second housing 6′. Thee-vaping device 60 includes a mouth-end insert 8.

In at least one example embodiment, the housing 6 and the second housing6′ may have a generally cylindrical cross-section. In other exampleembodiments, the housings 6 and 6′ may have a generally triangularcross-section along one or more of the first section 70 and the secondsection 72. Furthermore, the housings 6 and 6′ may have the same ordifferent cross-section shape, or the same or different size. Asdiscussed herein, the housings 6 and 6′ may also be referred to as outeror main housings.

In at least one example embodiment, the e-vaping device 60 may include aconductive contact assembly 300 including a first contact 310 (shown inFIGS. 2-3 and 5-6), a second contact 320, and an end cap housing 340,which are described in more detail below. Each of the first contact 310and the second contact 320 may be used in charging the power supply ofthe e-vaping device. The first contact 310, the second contact 320, andthe end cap housing 340 are described in more detail below.

As discussed in more detail later, the first contact 310 and/or thesecond contact 320 may be utilized in charging the power supply of thee-vaping device as well as for inputting touch commands. Accordingly,the conductive contact assembly 300 may be configured to be used tocharge the power supply of the e-vaping device and to input touchcommands to control the e-vaping device.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of the e-vaping deviceof FIG. 1.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the firstsection 70 may include a reservoir 22 configured to store a pre-vaporformulation and a heater 14 that may vaporize the pre-vapor formulation,which may be drawn from the reservoir 22 by a wick 28. The e-vapingdevice 60 may include the features set forth in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al. filed Jan. 31, 2013, theentire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. Inother example embodiments, the e-vaping device may include the featuresset forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/135,930 filed Apr. 22,2016, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/135,923 filed Apr. 22, 2016,and/or U.S. Pat. No. 9,289,014 issued Mar. 22, 2016, the entire contentsof each of which is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.

In at least one example embodiment, the pre-vapor formulation is amaterial or combination of materials that may be transformed into avapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation may be a liquid, solidand/or gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, beads,solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural orartificial flavors, and/or vapor formers such as glycerin and propyleneglycol.

In at least one example embodiment, the first section 70 may include thehousing 6 extending in a longitudinal direction and an inner tube (orchimney) 62 coaxially positioned within the housing 6.

At an upstream end portion of the inner tube 62, a nose portion 61 of agasket (or seal) 15 may be fitted into the inner tube 62; and an outerperimeter of the gasket 15 may provide a seal with an interior surfaceof the housing 6. The gasket 15 may also include a central, longitudinalair passage 20 in fluid communication with the inner tube 62 to definean inner passage (also referred to as a central channel or central innerpassage) 21. A transverse channel 33 at a backside portion of the gasket15 may intersect and communicate with the air passage 20 of the gasket15. This transverse channel 33 assures communication between the airpassage 20 and a space 35 defined between the gasket 15 and a firstconnector piece 37.

In at least one example embodiment, the first connector piece 37 mayinclude a male threaded section for effecting the connection between thefirst section 70 and the second section 72.

In at least one example embodiment, more than two air inlet ports 44 maybe included in the housing 6. Alternatively, a single air inlet port 44may be included in the housing 6. Such arrangement allows for placementof the air inlet ports 44 close to the connector 205 without occlusionby the presence of the first connector piece 37. This arrangement mayalso reinforce the area of air inlet ports 44 to facilitate precisedrilling of the air inlet ports 44.

In at least one example embodiments, the air inlet ports 44 may beprovided in the connector 205 instead of in the housing 6. In otherexample embodiments, the connector 205 may not include threadedportions.

In at least one example embodiment, the at least one air inlet port 44may be formed in the housing 6, adjacent the connector 205 to minimizethe chance of an adult vaper's fingers occluding one of the ports and tocontrol the resistance-to-draw (RTD) during vaping. In at least oneexample embodiment, the air inlet ports 44 may be machined into thehousing 6 with precision tooling such that their diameters are closelycontrolled and replicated from one e-vaping device 60 to the next duringmanufacture.

In at least one example embodiment, the air inlet ports 44 may be sizedand configured such that the e-vaping device 60 has a resistance-to-draw(RTD) in the range of from about 60 mm H₂O to about 150 mm H₂O.

In at least one example embodiment, a nose portion 93 of a second gasket10 may be fitted into a first end portion 81 of the inner tube 62. Anouter perimeter of the second gasket 10 may provide a substantiallytight seal with an interior surface 97 of the housing 6. The secondgasket 10 may include a central channel 63 disposed between the innerpassage 21 of the inner tube 62 and the interior of the mouth-end insert8, which may transport the vapor from the inner passage 21 to themouth-end insert 8. The mouth-end insert 8 includes at least twooutlets, which may be located off-axis from the longitudinal axis of thee-vaping device 60. The outlets may be angled outwardly in relation tothe longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device 60. The outlets may besubstantially uniformly distributed about the perimeter of the mouth-endinsert 8 so as to substantially uniformly distribute vapor in an adultvaper's mouth during vaping and create a greater perception of fullnessin the mouth. Thus, as the vapor passes into the adult vaper's mouth,the vapor may enter the mouth and may move in different directions so asto provide a full mouth feel.

In at least one example embodiment, the space defined between thegaskets 10 and 15 and the housing 6 and the inner tube 62 may establishthe confines of a reservoir 22. The reservoir 22 may contain a pre-vaporformulation, and optionally a storage medium (not shown) configured tostore the pre-vapor formulation therein. The storage medium may includea winding of cotton gauze or other fibrous material about the inner tube62.

In at least one example embodiment, the reservoir 22 may be contained inan outer annulus between the inner tube 62 and the housing 6 and betweenthe gaskets 10 and 15. Thus, the reservoir 22 may at least partiallysurround the inner passage 21. The heater 14 may extend transverselyacross the inner passage 21 between opposing portions of the reservoir22. In some example embodiments, the heater 14 may extend parallel to alongitudinal axis of the inner passage 21.

In at least one example embodiment, the reservoir 22 may be sized andconfigured to hold enough pre-vapor formulation such that the e-vapingdevice 60 may be configured for vaping for at least about 200 seconds.Moreover, the e-vaping device 60 may be configured to allow each puff tolast a maximum of about 5 seconds.

In at least one example embodiment, the storage medium may be a fibrousmaterial including at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester,rayon and combinations thereof. The fibers may have a diameter rangingin size from about 6 microns to about 15 microns (e.g., about 8 micronsto about 12 microns or about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The storagemedium may be a sintered, porous or foamed material. Also, the fibersmay be sized to be irrespirable and may have a cross-section which has aY-shape, cross shape, clover shape or any other suitable shape. In atleast one example embodiment, the reservoir 22 may include a filled tanklacking any storage medium and containing only pre-vapor formulation.

During vaping, pre-vapor formulation may be transferred from thereservoir 22 and/or storage medium to the proximity of the heater 14 viacapillary action of the wick 28. The wick 28 may include at least afirst end portion and a second end portion, which may extend intoopposite sides of the reservoir 22. The heater 14 may at least partiallysurround a central portion of the wick 28 such that when the heater 14is activated, the pre-vapor formulation in the central portion of thewick 28 may be vaporized by the heater 14 to form a vapor.

In at least one example embodiment, the wick 28 may include filaments(or threads) having a capacity to draw the pre-vapor formulation. Forexample, the wick 28 may be a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, abundle including a group of windings of glass filaments, etc., all ofwhich arrangements may be capable of drawing pre-vapor formulation viacapillary action by interstitial spacings between the filaments. Thefilaments may be generally aligned in a direction perpendicular(transverse) to the longitudinal direction of the e-vaping device 60. Inat least one example embodiment, the wick 28 may include one to eightfilament strands, each strand comprising a plurality of glass filamentstwisted together. The end portions of the wick 28 may be flexible andfoldable into the confines of the reservoir 22. The filaments may have across-section that is generally cross-shaped, clover-shaped, Y-shaped,or in any other suitable shape.

In at least one example embodiment, the wick 28 may include any suitablematerial or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials maybe, but not limited to, glass, ceramic- or graphite-based materials. Thewick 28 may have any suitable capillarity drawing action to accommodatepre-vapor formulations having different physical properties such asdensity, viscosity, surface tension and vapor pressure. The wick 28 maybe non-conductive.

In at least one example embodiment, the heater 14 may include a wirecoil which at least partially surrounds the wick 28. The wire may be ametal wire and/or the heater coil may extend fully or partially alongthe length of the wick 28. The heater coil may further extend fully orpartially around the circumference of the wick 28. In some exampleembodiments, the heater 14 may or may not be in contact with the wick28.

In at least one example embodiment, the heater coil may be formed of anysuitable electrically resistive materials. Examples of suitableelectrically resistive materials may include, but not limited to,copper, titanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals from the platinumgroup. Examples of suitable metal alloys include, but not limited to,stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium,hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium,manganese and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel,iron, cobalt, stainless steel. For example, the heater 14 may be formedof nickel aluminide, a material with a layer of alumina on the surface,iron aluminide and other composite materials, the electrically resistivematerial may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with aninsulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energytransfer and the external physicochemical properties required. Theheater 14 may include at least one material selected from the groupconsisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromiumalloys, super alloys and combinations thereof. In an example embodiment,the heater 14 may be formed of nickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromiumalloys. In another example embodiment, the heater 14 may be a ceramicheater having an electrically resistive layer on an outside surfacethereof.

The inner tube 62 may include a pair of opposing slots, such that thewick 28 and the first and second electrical leads 109 and 109′ or endsof the heater 14 may extend out from the respective opposing slots. Theprovision of the opposing slots in the inner tube 62 may facilitateplacement of the heater 14 and wick 28 into position within the innertube 62 without impacting edges of the slots and the coiled section ofthe heater 14. Accordingly, edges of the slots may not be allowed toimpact and alter the coil spacing of the heater 14, which wouldotherwise create potential sources of hotspots. In at least one exampleembodiment, the inner tube 62 may have a diameter of about 4 mm and eachof the opposing slots may have major and minor dimensions of about 2 mmby about 4 mm.

The first lead 109 is physically and electrically connected to the malethreaded connector piece 37. As shown, the male threaded first connectorpiece 37 is a hollow cylinder with male threads on a portion of theouter later surface. The connector piece is conductive, and may beformed or coated with a conductive material. The second lead 109′ isphysically and electrically connected to a first conductive post 110.The first conductive post 110 may be formed of a conductive material(e.g., stainless steel, copper, etc.), and may have a T-shapedcross-section as shown in FIG. 2. The first conductive post 110 nestswithin the hollow portion of the first connector piece 37, and iselectrically insulated from the first connector piece 37 by aninsulating shell 111. The first conductive post 110 may be hollow asshown, and the hollow portion may be in fluid communication with the airpassage 20. Accordingly, the first connector piece 37 and the firstconductive post 110 form respective external electrical connection tothe heater 14.

In at least one example embodiment, the heater 14 may heat pre-vaporformulation in the wick 28 by thermal conduction. Alternatively, heatfrom the heater 14 may be conducted to the pre-vapor formulation bymeans of a heat conductive element or the heater 14 may transfer heat tothe incoming ambient air that is drawn through the e-vaping device 60during vaping, which in turn heats the pre-vapor formulation byconvection.

It should be appreciated that, instead of using a wick 28, the heater 14may include a porous material which incorporates a resistance heaterformed of a material having a high electrical resistance capable ofgenerating heat quickly.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second section 72 includes a power supply 1, acontrol circuit 200, sensor 16, and conductive contact assembly (alsoreferred to as a contact assembly or connector assembly) 300. As shown,the control circuit 200 and sensor 16 are disposed in the housing 6′.The contact assembly 300 forms one end of the second section 72, and afemale threaded second connector piece 112 forms a second end. As shown,the second connector piece 112 has a hollow cylinder shape withthreading on an inner later surface. The inner diameter of the secondconnector piece 112 matches that of the outer diameter of the firstconnector pieces 37 such that the two connector pieces 37 and 112 may bethreaded together to form a connection 205. Furthermore, the secondconnector piece 112, or at least the other later surface is conductive,for example, formed of or including a conductive material. As such, anelectrical and physical connection occurs between the first and secondconnector pieces 37 and 112 when connected.

As shown, a first lead 720 electrically connects the second connectorpiece 112 to the control circuit 200. A second lead 730 electricallyconnects the control circuit 200 to a first terminal 113 of the powersupply 1. A third lead 725 electrically connects a second terminal 114of the power supply 1 to the power terminal of the control circuit 200to provide power to the control circuit 200. The second terminal 114 ofthe power supply 1 is also physically and electrically connected to asecond conductive post 115. The second conductive post 115 may be formedof a conductive material (e.g., stainless steel, copper, etc.), and mayhave a T-shaped cross-section as shown in FIG. 2. The second conductivepost 115 nests within the hollow portion of the second connector piece112, and is electrically insulated from the second connector piece 112by an insulating shell 116. The second conductive post 115 may also behollow as shown. When the first and second connector pieces 37 and 112are mated, the second conductive post 115 physically and electricallyconnects to the first conductive post 110. Also, the hollow portion ofthe second conductive post 115 may be in fluid communication with thehollow portion of the first conductive post 110.

While the first section 70 has been shown and described as having themale connector piece and the second section 72 has been shown anddescribed as having the female connector piece, an alternativeembodiment includes the opposite where the first section 70 has thefemale connector piece and the second section 72 has the male connectorpiece.

In at least one example embodiment, the power supply 1 includes abattery arranged in the e-vaping device 60. The power supply 1 may be aLithium-ion battery or one of its variants, for example a Lithium-ionpolymer battery. Alternatively, the power supply 1 may be a nickel-metalhydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lithium-manganese battery,a lithium-cobalt battery or a fuel cell. The e-vaping device 60 may bevapable by an adult vaper until the energy in the power supply 1 isdepleted or in the case of lithium polymer battery, a minimum voltagecut-off level is achieved.

In at least one example embodiment, the power supply 1 is rechargeable.The second section 72 may include circuitry configured to allow thebattery to be chargeable by an external charging device. To recharge thee-vaping device 60, an USB charger or other suitable charger assemblymay be used as described below.

In at least one example embodiment, the sensor 16 is configured togenerate an output indicative of a magnitude and direction of airflow inthe e-vaping device 60. The control circuit 200 receives the output ofthe sensor 16, and determines if (1) the direction of the airflowindicates a draw on the mouth-end insert 8 (versus blowing) and (2) themagnitude of the draw exceeds a threshold level. If these vapingconditions are met, the control circuit 200 electrically connects thepower supply 1 to the heater 14; thus, activating the heater 14. Namely,the control circuit 200 electrically connects the first and second leads720 and 730 (e.g., by activating a heater power control circuit 945 asdiscussed below with regard to FIG. 6) such that the heater 14 becomeselectrically connected to the battery 1. In an alternative embodiment,the sensor 16 may indicate a pressure drop, and the control circuit 200activates the heater 14 in response thereto.

In at least one example embodiment, the control circuit 200 may alsoinclude a light 48, which the control circuit 200 activates to glow whenthe heater 14 is activated and/or the battery is recharged. The light 48may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs mayinclude one or more colors (e.g., white, yellow, red, green, blue,etc.). Moreover, the light 48 may be arranged to be visible to an adultvaper during vaping, and may be positioned between a first end 210 and asecond end 220 of the e-vaping device 60. In addition, the light 48 maybe utilized for e-vaping system diagnostics or to indicate thatrecharging is in progress. The light 48 may also be configured such thatthe adult vaper may activate and/or deactivate the heater activationlight 48 for privacy.

In at least one example embodiment, the control circuit 200 may includea time-period limiter. In another example embodiment, the controlcircuit 200 may include a manually operable switch for an adult vaper toinitiate heating. The time-period of the electric current supply to theheater 14 may be set or pre-set depending on the amount of pre-vaporformulation desired to be vaporized. In yet another example embodiment,the sensor 16 may detect a pressure drop and the control circuit 200 maysupply power to the heater 14 as long as heater activation conditionsare met.

Next, operation of the e-vaping device to create a vapor will bedescribed. For example, air is drawn primarily into the first section 70through the at least one air inlet 44 in response to a draw on themouth-end insert 8. The air passes through the air inlet 50, into thetransverse channel 33 at the backside portion of the gasket 15 and intothe air passage 20 of the gasket 15, into the inner passage 21, andthrough the outlet 24 of the mouth-end insert 8. If the control circuit200 detects the vaping conditions discussed above, the control circuit200 initiates power supply to the heater 14, such that the heater 14heats pre-vapor formulation in the wick 28 to form a vapor. The vaporand air flowing through the inner passage 21 combine and exit thee-vaping device 60 via the outlet 24 of the mouth-end insert 8.

When activated, the heater 14 may heat a portion of the wick 28surrounded by the heater for less than about 10 seconds.

In at least one example embodiment, the first section 70 may bereplaceable. In other words, once the pre-vapor formulation of thecartridge is depleted, only the first section 70 may be replaced. Analternate arrangement may include an example embodiment where the entiree-vaping device 60 may be disposed once the reservoir 22 is depleted. Inat least one example embodiment, the e-vaping device 60 may be aone-piece e-vaping device.

In at least one example embodiment, the e-vaping device 60 may be about80 mm to about 110 mm long and about 7 mm to about 8 mm in diameter. Forexample, in one example embodiment, the e-vaping device may be about 84mm long and may have a diameter of about 7.8 mm.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the e-vapingdevice 60 includes the contact assembly 300 as described in greaterdetail below with reference to FIGS. 4-5.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of an end of the second (or battery) sectionof an e-vaping device according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the secondsection 72 is the same as in FIG. 2. The control circuit 200 is disposedon a rigid printed circuit board 410. The circuit board 410 is connectedto the first contact 310 via lead 700. The circuit board 410 isconnected to the second contact 320 via lead 710.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of an end of the second section of ane-vaping device according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the secondsection 72 is the same as in FIG. 2. The control circuit 200 is disposedon a flexible printed circuit board 1000. The flexible printed circuitboard 1000 allows for the inclusion of a larger battery 1 since theflexible printed circuit board 1000 requires less space within thehousing 6′ than the rigid circuit board 410 of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the conductive contact assembly of FIG. 2according to at least one example embodiment. FIG. 5 is across-sectional view of an assembled (or non-exploded) version of theconductive contact assembly of FIG. 4 along line V-V of FIG. 4 accordingto at least one example embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the contact assembly 300 is the same as shownin FIG. 2, and is shown in greater detail. As shown in FIG. 4, thecontact assembly 300 includes the first contact 310, the second contact320, and the end cap housing 340.

The first contact 310 has a disk shape. In at least one exampleembodiment, the first contact 310 may be formed of a printed circuitboard (PCB), which may be rigid or flexible. The first contact 310includes a substrate 315 with a first conductive portion 312 formed onan upper surface thereof and a second conductive portion 314 formed on abottom surface thereof. At least one conductive via 313 electricallyconnects the first and second conductive portions 312 and 314 (see FIG.5). The first conductive portion 312 and the second conductive portion314 may be copper, stainless steel, magnetic stainless steel, etc. Thefirst conductive portion 312 may have a generally circular shape, and/orform a pattern. For example, the conductive portion 312 forms theoutline of the number “10” in the example of FIG. 4. The firstconductive portion 312 has an area such that the second contact 320 doesnot overlap the first conductive portion 312, and the first conductiveportion 312 of the first contact 310 is electrically insulated from thesecond contact 320. Instead, a non-conductive portion 311 of thesubstrate 315 is exposed, and the second contact 320 overlaps and/orcontacts the non-conductive portion 311.

As shown, the end cap housing 340 has a generally, hollow cylindricalshape defined by a sidewall 350. A lower portion of the sidewall 350includes ridges 355, and an upper portion includes a flange 360. In atleast one example embodiment, the flange 360 has an outer diameter thatis about the same as the outer diameter of the housing 6′. The sidewall350 has an outer diameter that is slightly less than an inner diameterof the housing 6′ so that the sidewall 350 may be held in place in thehousing 6′ by friction fit. The sidewall 350 may include the ridges 355to aid in holding the end cap housing 340 within the housing 6′.

In at least one example embodiment, the end cap housing 340 includes aridge or inner ledge 305 projecting from the inner later surface. Thefirst contact 310 rests on the inner ledge 305. Two projecting fins 315project from an end of the end cap housing 340. The projecting fins 315separate the inner ledge 305 from the flange 360. The second contact 320rests on an outer ledge of the flange 360. While two projecting fins315, each extending at least 90 degrees around the end of the end caphousing 340 are shown, it will be understood the more or less than twoprojecting fins 315 may be formed.

As stated above, a portion of the second contact 320 mates with theflange 360 of the end cap housing 340, and in doing so, tabs 380 of thesecond contact 320 fit in slots 390 in the sidewall 350 of the end caphousing 340 so as to secure the second contact 320 with the end caphousing 340, and hold the first contact 310 in place against the innerledge 305. As shown in FIG. 5, the lead 700 is connected to the secondconductive portion 314 and the lead 710 is connected to at least one ofthe tabs 380.

In at least one example embodiment, the end cap housing 340 may beformed of plastic. At least a portion of the flange 360 of the end caphousing 340 may be transparent so that light from the heater activationlight 48 may be seen through the flange 360. The first contact 310 andthe second contact 320 may be opaque (e.g., may include a solder mask tosubstantially prevent light from being seen through the PCB), such thatthe light 48 may not be seen through the end of the e-vaping device 60.

As shown in FIG. 4, stops 440 are disposed on the tabs 380, and thestops latch beneath a portion 450 of the flange 360 when the tabs 380are mated with the slots 390. The tabs 380 may be resilient such thatthe tabs 380 bend slightly when being inserted into the slots 390, butspring back into an original position to lock the tabs 380 within theslots 390.

The second contact 320 is conductive, and conductive portions of thefirst contact 310 are electrically isolated from the second contact 320as described above. Also, in at least one example embodiment, the firstcontact 310 and the second contact 320 are magnetic. Accordingly, thetabs 380 and the slots 390 are configured to lock together so as toprevent magnetic attraction from removing the first contact 310 and thesecond contact 320 from the e-vaping device 60.

In at least one alternative embodiment, at least a portion of the firstcontact 310 may be substantially transparent such that the light 48shines through a side portion of the end cap housing 340.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example embodiment of thecontrol circuit 200 of the e-vaping device shown in FIG. 1. The controlcircuit 200 shown in FIG. 6 is described with regard to a situation inwhich the first section 70 is connected to the second section 72 asdiscussed above. Thus, both the heater 14 and the power supply 1 areshown in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control circuit 200 includes a microcontroller905, a charge controller 800, a mode control switch circuit 920, aheater power control circuit 945, a resistance measurement circuit 94and a resistor 910. In this example, the mode control switch circuit 920includes a mode control switch U3, and the heater power control circuit945 includes a heater power control switch U1. The microcontroller 905includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 9052 and adigital-to-analog converter (DAC) 9054. The ADC 9052 may be a 10-bit ADCand the DAC 9054 may be an 8-bit DAC. However, example embodimentsshould not be limited to these examples.

The resistance measurement circuit 94 includes a first resistor R1, asecond resistor R2, a third resistor R3, a fourth resistor R4, anoperational amplifier (OP-AMP) 947 and a resistance measurement switchcircuit 946. The resistance measurement switch circuit 946 includes aresistance measurement switch U2. The OP-AMP 947 may be a differentialoperational amplifier.

Each of the heater power control switch U1, the resistance measurementswitch U2 and the mode control switch U3 may be transistors (e.g., NMOSor MOSFET transistors), although example embodiments should not belimited to these examples. For example purposes, the switches U1 throughU3 will be described herein as transistors. In this regard, the heaterpower control switch U1 may be referred to as a heater power controltransistor U1, the resistance measurement switch U2 may be referred toas a resistance measurement transistor U2, and the mode control switchU3 may be referred to as mode control transistor U3. Again, however,example embodiments should not be limited to these examples.

Referring to FIG. 6, a capacitive input 940 of the microcontroller 905is connected to a first terminal of the resistor 910. A second terminalof the resistor 910 is connected to the second contact 320 via the lead710.

A first terminal of the mode control transistor U3 is connected to afirst node NODE1 between the second terminal of the resistor 910 and thesecond contact 320. A second terminal of the mode control switch U3 isconnected to the negative terminal of the power supply 1, a first end ofthe heater 14 and a first terminal of the fifth resistor R4 of theresistance measurement circuit 94 at second node NODE2. A gate of themode control transistor U3 is connected to a touch/charge enableterminal 930 (also referred to herein as an enable terminal) at themicrocontroller 905. As discussed herein, the negative terminal of thepower supply 1 may also be referred to as common ground, ground, groundplane or common ground plane.

The charge controller 800 is electrically connected between the firstcontact 310 (via the lead 700) and the charge enable terminal 935 of themicrocontroller 905. The charge controller 800 is also electricallyconnected to the positive terminal of the power supply 1 at a third nodeNODE3. The positive terminal of the power supply 1 is connected to thecontrol circuit 200 via lead 703, and also connected to the power inputterminal PWR of the microcontroller 905 via the lead 725 to providepower to the control circuit 200 and the microcontroller 905.

According to at least one example embodiment, the charge controller 800may be any known charge controller. In one example, the chargecontroller 800 may include a linear regulator. According to at least oneexample embodiment, the charge controller 800 may be configured todetermine a level of charge of the power supply 1, and to controlapplication of charging current i_(CH) and/or voltage to the powersupply 1 based on the determined level of charge. The charge controller800 may also detect input of a charging current i_(CH) via the firstcontact 310 and the lead 700, and output a charge enable signal CHG_ENbased on the detected charging current i_(CH). In at least one exampleembodiment, the charge enable signal CHG_EN may be disabled (e.g., havea first logic value, such as a logic low) when no charging current isdetected, and may be enabled (e.g., have a second logic value, such as alogic high level) when the charging current is detected. In anotherexample, the charge enable signal CHG_EN may be described as beingoutput when the charging current is detected, and not output when nocharging current is detected. The charge controller 800 may also outputregulated charging current i_(CH) to the positive terminal of the powersupply 1 to charge the power supply 1. Because charge controllers suchas this are well-known, a more detailed discussion is omitted.

Still referring to FIG. 6, a first terminal of the heater power controltransistor U1 is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply1 and a second terminal of the heater power control transistor U1 isconnected to a second end of the heater 14 at a fourth node NODE4 viathe first lead 720 between the heater 14 and the control circuit 200. Agate of the heater power control transistor U1 is electrically connectedto a heater power control terminal 955 of the microcontroller 905.According to at least this example embodiment, the microcontroller 905outputs a heater power control signal HEAT_PWR_CTRL to control theheater power control transistor U1 to regulate and control power fromthe power supply 1 to the heater 14.

The resistance measurement circuit 94 is electrically connected to thefirst terminal of the heater power control transistor U1, the positiveterminal of the power supply 1 and the charge controller 800 at a fifthnode NODE5, via node NODE3. The resistance measurement circuit 94 isalso electrically connected to the ADC 9052, the DAC 9054 and aresistance measurement enable terminal 956 at the microcontroller 905.

Within the resistance measurement circuit 94, a first terminal of theresistance measurement transistor 946 is connected to the first terminalof the heater power control transistor U1, the positive terminal of thepower supply 1 and the charge controller 800 at the fifth node NODE5. Asecond terminal of the resistance measurement transistor 946 isconnected to a first terminal of first resistor R1. The gate of theresistance measurement transistor 946 is connected to the resistancemeasurement enable terminal 956 at the microcontroller 905.

The second terminal of the first resistor R1 is connected to a positiveinput of the operational amplifier (OP-AMP) 947, the second terminal ofthe heater power control transistor U1, the second end of the heater 14and an analog input ANALOG of the microcontroller 905 at a sixth nodeNODE6.

The output terminal of the OP-AMP 947 is connected to the ADC 9052 atthe microcontroller 905. The second resistor R2 is connected in parallelbetween the negative input terminal and the output terminal of theOP-AMP 947. The negative input terminal of the OP-AMP 947 is alsoconnected to a first terminal of the third resistor R3 and a secondterminal of the fourth resistor R4.

The second terminal of the third resistor R3 is connected to the DAC9054 at the microcontroller 905.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the microcontroller 905 is also electricallyconnected to the sensor 16.

Although the example embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is discussed with regardthe resistance measurement circuit 94 being separate from themicrocontroller 905, example embodiments should not be limited to thisexample. Rather, according to one or more other example embodiments, theresistance measurement circuit 94, or one or more components thereof(e.g., the OP-AMP 947), may be included and implemented in themicrocontroller 905.

Example operation of the control circuit 200 shown in FIG. 6 will now bedescribed.

According to at least one example embodiment, when the first section 70is connected to the second section 72, the mode control transistor U3 isinitially set to the ON state. In this example, the mode controltransistor U3 transitions from the ON state to the OFF stateperiodically based on a monitoring frequency for the control circuit 200in response to switching of a charge monitoring signal EN_SIG from themicrocontroller 905 via the enable terminal 930 (also referred to hereinas an enable terminal). The monitoring frequency is discussed in moredetail later.

According to at least some example embodiments, each time the modecontrol transistor U3 transitions from the ON state to the OFF state thecontrol circuit 200 monitors for a touch event for a relatively shortinterval (sometimes referred to as a touch detection interval). Thisrelatively short interval may occur at the beginning of what may bereferred to as a “wake” cycle based on the sleep state of themicrocontroller, after which the control circuit 200 may return to astate in which charging of power supply 1 may be initiated.

As discussed herein, switching of the charge monitoring signal EN_SIGmay refer to transitioning of the signal from the logic high to thelogic low level. As discussed herein, switching of the charge monitoringsignal EN_SIG to the logic low level may also be referred to asdisabling or disabling output of the charge monitoring signal EN_SIG.However, example embodiments should not be limited to this example.

As discussed herein, the ON state of the mode control transistor 920 mayalso be referred to as an active state, or as the mode controltransistor 920 being activated. Similarly, the OFF state may also bereferred to as an inactive state or as the mode control transistor 920being deactivated.

According to one or more example embodiments, the microcontroller 905and/or the control circuit 200 may operate in one of a monitoring mode,a touch command mode and a charging mode. Example operation of thecontrol circuit 200 in each of these operating modes will be discussedin more detail below.

In the monitoring mode, the charging enable signal CHG_EN is disabled,and the mode control transistor U3 is periodically deactivated inresponse to disabling of the charge monitoring signal EN_SIG from theenable terminal 930 of the microcontroller 905. Disabling of the chargemonitoring signal EN_SIG may also be characterized as enabling a touchmonitoring signal.

The frequency of the charge monitoring signal EN_SIG, and consequentlythe periodicity of the deactivation of the mode control transistor U3,is based on a state of the microcontroller 905 in the monitoring mode.In one example, the monitoring mode may include a plurality of states.In each of the plurality of states, the charge monitoring signal EN_SIGmay have a different frequency, and thus, the deactivation of the modecontrol transistor U3 may have a different periodicity. In one example,the monitoring mode may include an active state, a standby state and ahibernate state.

In an example of the active state, the charge monitoring signal EN_SIGmay have a frequency of about 100 Hz, such that the mode controltransistor U3 is deactivated (transitions to the OFF state) about every0.01 seconds.

In an example of the standby state, the charge monitoring signal EN_SIGmay have a frequency of about 50 Hz, such that the mode controltransistor U3 is deactivated about every 0.05 seconds.

In an example of the hibernate state, the charge monitoring signalEN_SIG may have a frequency of about 10 Hz such that the mode controltransistor U3 is deactivated about every 0.10 seconds.

When a cartridge including a heater element (e.g., first section 70) isattached to the battery section (e.g., second section 72), themicrocontroller 905 detects that the cartridge is attached to thebattery section and defaults to the active state. As is generallywell-known, the microcontroller 905 may detect attachment of a cartridgeto the battery section based on a change in resistance (e.g., fromessentially infinite resistance to a finite resistance value) resultingfrom attachment of the cartridge.

If a cartridge is attached and no puff event is detected by the sensor16 within a first threshold interval (e.g., about 20 seconds) from thetime the cartridge was attached, then the microcontroller 905transitions to the standby state. While in the standby state, if no puffevent is detected by the sensor 16 within a second threshold time period(e.g., 40 seconds) from attachment of the cartridge (or, alternatively,another interval of 20 seconds from the time at which themicrocontroller 905 transitioned to the standby state), then themicrocontroller 905 transitions to the hibernate state. Themicrocontroller stays in the hibernate state until a puff event isdetected by the sensor 16. If the sensor 16 detects a puff event in thestandby or hibernate states, the microcontroller 905 transitions to theactive state to increase responsiveness to an adult vaper. When nocartridge is attached, the microcontroller 905 remains in the hibernatestate until a cartridge is attached. As discussed above, when thecartridge is attached, the microcontroller 905 transitions to the activestate.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating an example embodiment of a methodof operating the control circuit 200 shown in FIG. 6. The exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 14 will be discussed with regard to themicrocontroller 905 initially operating in the monitoring mode with themode control transistor 920 in the ON state. However, exampleembodiments should not be limited to this example.

As discussed above, in the monitoring mode, the mode control transistorU3 is periodically deactivated by disabling the charge monitoring signalEN_SIG output from the enable terminal 930 of the microcontroller 905.The method shown in FIG. 14 may be performed periodically when the modecontrol transistor 920 is deactivated. In this regard, the method shownin FIG. 14 may be performed according to the frequency of the chargemonitoring signal EN_SIG.

Referring to FIG. 14, when the mode control transistor U3 is deactivatedin response to the disabling of the charge monitoring signal EN_SIG bythe microcontroller 905, at step S1404 the microcontroller 905 detectswhether a touch has been input by an adult vaper.

With regard to step S1404, in one example, when the mode controltransistor U3 is in the OFF state, and the adult vaper touches thesecond contact 320, the part of the adult vaper (e.g., the finger)touching the second contact 320 and the second contact 320 itself act asterminals of a capacitor, which changes the measured capacitance alongthe circuit path between the second contact 320 and the capacitive input940. When the microcontroller 905 detects this change in capacitance,the microcontroller 905 determines that the adult vaper has touched thesecond contact 320, thereby detecting a touch input by the adult vaper.

If the microcontroller 905 does not detect a touch input by an adultvaper at step S1404, then the microcontroller 905 remains in themonitoring mode and operates as discussed above.

Still referring to step S1404, if the microcontroller 905 detects atouch input, then the microcontroller 905 enters the touch command modeat step S1406.

In the touch command mode, the mode control transistor 920 is maintainedin the OFF state to electrically isolate the contact 320, lead 710 andresistor 910 from at least the heater 14 and the negative terminal ofthe power supply 1. Since the default state of the mode controltransistor U3 is ON, the microcontroller 905 maintains the mode controltransistor U3 in the OFF state by preventing the charge monitoringsignal EN_SIG from being enabled (or from being output) and turning onthe mode control transistor 920.

Still referring to FIG. 14, after entering the touch command mode atstep S1406, the microcontroller 905 detects a touch command input by theadult vaper at step S1408. According to at least some exampleembodiments, the microcontroller 905 detects the touch command input bythe adult vaper based on the frequency and/or length of the touch by theadult vaper.

Once having detected the touch command input by the adult vaper at stepS1408, the microcontroller 905 executes the detected touch command atstep S1410.

The following tables illustrate example touch commands and operationsexecuted in response to said touch inputs according to one or moreexample embodiments.

TABLE 1 Battery Level On-Demand Indication Input = Single Tap on ContactAssembly Battery Charge Level (%) Device Response 100-20 Display SolidWhite/Green LED for 5 seconds  20-10 Display Solid Yellow LED for 5seconds 10-0 Display Solid Red LED for 5 seconds 0 Blink Solid Red LED 5times (0.5 seconds on and 0.5 second off)

TABLE 2 Display while Vaping (Option 1) Input = Draw on Device BatteryCharge Level (%) Device Response 100-20 Display Solid White/Green LEDduring puff  20-10 Display Solid Yellow LED during puff 10-0 DisplaySolid Red LED during puff 0 Blink Solid Red LED 5 times (0.5 seconds onand 0.5 second off)

TABLE 3 Display while Vaping (Option 2) Input = Draw on Device BatteryCharge Level (%) Device Response 100-0 Display Solid White/Green LEDduring puff 0 Blink Solid Red LED 5 times (0.5 seconds on and 0.5 secondoff)

TABLE 4 LED Off Input = Press and Hold Contact Assembly for 5 secondsBattery Charge Level (%) Device Response 100-0 none

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in Tables 1-4, the e-vapingdevice may respond to a variety of different touch commands. In otherexample embodiments, the vaping profile may be altered by inputs or thedevice may be locked from vaping by tapping the contact assembly.

Still referring to FIG. 14, although not shown explicitly, afterexecuting the detected touch command, the microcontroller 905 may returnto the monitoring mode.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating another example embodiment of amethod of operating the control circuit 200 shown in FIG. 6. The exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 15 will also be discussed with regard to themicrocontroller 905 initially operating in the monitoring mode with themode control transistor U3 in the ON state. However, example embodimentsshould not be limited to this example.

When the mode control transistor 920 is in the ON state, at step S1504the microcontroller 905 determines whether the power supply 1 is beingcharged based on the charging enable signal CHG_EN from the chargecontroller 800. As mentioned above, the charge controller 800 outputsthe charging enable signal CHG_EN based on the presence of the chargingcurrent i_(CH) through the first contact 310 and the lead 700. In oneexample, the microcontroller 905 determines that the power supply 1 isbeing charged if the charge enable signal CHG_EN from the chargecontroller 800 is enabled (e.g., has logic high level). As discussedherein, the enabling of the charge enable signal CHG_EN may also bereferred to as output of the charge enable signal CHG_EN.

If the microcontroller 905 detects that the power supply 1 is chargingat step S1504, then the microcontroller 905 enters the charging mode atstep S1508.

In the charging mode, the mode control transistor 920 remains in the ONstate until the charge controller 800 indicates that the chargingcurrent i_(CH) is no longer flowing to the positive terminal of thepower supply 1 by disabling the charge enable signal CHG_EN. In oneexample, while in the charging mode, the microcontroller 905 maintainsthe mode control transistor 920 in the ON state by preventing disablingof the enabled charge monitoring signal EN_SIG.

Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 15, when the charge controller 800disables the charge enable signal CHG_EN, the microcontroller 905 mayreturn to the monitoring mode.

Returning to step S1504, if the microcontroller 905 does not detect thatthe power supply 1 is charging, then the microcontroller 905 remains inthe monitoring mode and operates as discussed above.

As discussed above, the control circuit 200 further includes aresistance measurement circuit 94.

During puff events by an adult vaper, the application of power to theheater 14 changes the resistance of the heater 14. Using the resistancemeasurement circuit 94, the microcontroller 905 is configured to monitorresistance changes in the heater 14 during puff events, and to controlpower to the heater 14 based on the changes in resistance. In at leastone example embodiment, the microcontroller 905 may selectively disablevaping operation by cutting power to the heater 14 based on changes inresistance of the heater 14.

In the resistance measurement circuit 94 shown in FIG. 6, the firstresistor R1 is a precise reference resistor with known resistance value(e.g., about 10.00Ω). The resistors R2, R3 and R4 are stable resistorsused to set the gain and bias of the OP-AMP 947. The resistors R2, R3,and R4 also have known resistance values. The DAC 9054 and the ADC 9052share the same reference voltage V_(battery). In this case, thereference voltage V_(battery) is the voltage of the power supply 1.Given the configuration of the resistance measurement circuit 94 shownin FIG. 6, the voltage output V_(op-amp) of the OP-AMP 947 is given byEquation (1) shown below.

$\begin{matrix}{V_{{op} - {amp}} = {\frac{R_{2} + \frac{R_{3}R_{4}}{R_{3} + R_{4}}}{\frac{R_{3}R_{4}}{R_{3} + R_{4}}}*\frac{R_{coil}}{R_{coil} + R_{1}}*V_{battery}*\frac{R_{2}}{R_{3}}*\frac{{CODE}_{DAC}}{2^{8}}*V_{battery}}} & (1)\end{matrix}$

According to one or more example embodiments, the resistance measurementcircuit 94 may operate in a calibration mode or phase and a monitoringmode or phase.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating an example embodiment of a methodof operating the control circuit 200 in the calibration phase. Asdiscussed above, when a cartridge including a heater element (e.g.,first section 70) is attached to the battery section (e.g., secondsection 72), the microcontroller 905 defaults to the active state.Additionally, when the cartridge including a heater element (e.g., firstsection 70) is attached to the battery section (e.g., second section72), the control circuit 200 enters the calibration phase. Thecalibration phase is also referred to as the fine resistance calibrationphase.

The stress on the heater 14 during a puff event may cause a shift in the“at-rest” resistance of the heater coil. In one example, during thefirst 5 to 10 puff events on a new cartridge, the “at-rest” resistancemay change as much as 0.5% from a previous value. Accordingly, themicrocontroller 905 may monitor the length of time between puff events,and if the time interval between puff events exceeds a threshold value(e.g., about 25 seconds), the control circuit 200 may also enter thecalibration phase. Accordingly, the control circuit 200 may enter thecalibration phase in response to at least two trigger events; that is,attachment of a new cartridge to the second section 72, and if the timeinterval between puff events exceeds a threshold value.

Referring to FIG. 16, in response to one or more of the above-mentionedtrigger events, at step S1604 the microcontroller 905 measures thecoarse resistance of the heater coil R_(coil_coarse). In this case, thecoarse resistance of the heater coil is a low resolution measurement bythe microcontroller 905 in the analog domain.

According to at least one example embodiment, the arrangement of heater14 and the first resistor R1, which is a known stable resistance, in theresistance measurement circuit 94 presents a voltage at the sixth nodeNODE6, which is input to and/or sensed at the analog input ANALOG of themicrocontroller 905. In this example, the first resistor R1 and the coilof the heater 15 create a voltage divider circuit. The microcontroller905 then calculates the resistance of heater 14 based on the knownvoltage of the power supply (e.g., V_(in)), the sensed/measured voltageat the sixth node NODE6 (e.g., V_(out)) and the known resistance of thefirst resistor R1.

According to at least one other example embodiment, the OP-AMP 947 maybe a component integrated in microcontroller 905. In this example, thecoarse resistance measurement R_(coil_coarse) is acquired byreconfiguring the positive input of OP-AMP 947 as an ADC input ofmicrocontroller 905. Once the pin is reconfigured, the arrangement ofheater 14 and the first resistor R1, which is a known stable resistance,presents a voltage on NODE6 based on which the microcontroller 905 maycalculate the resistance of heater 14. The microcontroller 905 maycalculate the resistance of the heater 14 in the same manner asdiscussed above.

At step S1606, the microcontroller 905 selects an appropriate digitalcode or word CODE_(DAC) based on the initial coarse resistancemeasurement R_(coil_coarse). According to at least one exampleembodiment, the microcontroller 905 selects the digital code CODE_(DAC)so that the output voltage V_(op-amp) of the OP-AMP 947 does notsaturate the input of the ADC 9052 during subsequent measurements. Inone example, the digital code CODE_(DAC) may be selected such that theoutput of the OP-AMP 947 is substantially zero.

At step S1608, the ADC 9052 at the microcontroller 905 samples thevoltage output V_(op-amp) of the OP-AMP 947 to generate a digitalrepresentation CODE_(ADC_0) of the voltage output V_(op-amp) of theOP-AMP 947.

After calibration, or between iterations of the calibration phase, thedigital code CODE_(DAC) is maintained to fix the voltage output of theDAC 9054.

After detection of a puff event by the sensor 16 and during subsequentvaping, the heater power control signal HEAT_PWR_CTRL controls theheater power control transistor U1 to regulate the voltage output fromthe power supply 1 to the heater 14. According to at least one exampleembodiment, the heater power control signal HEAT_PWR_CTRL has a dutycycle of 64 ms. According to at least this example embodiment, the dutycycle includes a regulating period and a resistance measurement period.The regulating period may be one of the first and the last 60milliseconds (ms) of the 64 ms, whereas the resistance measurementperiod may be the remaining portion of the duty cycle (e.g., one of thefirst and last 4 ms of the duty cycle).

During the regulating period of the duty cycle, the heater power controlsignal HEAT_PWR_CTRL is pulse train causing the heater power controltransistor U1 to switch on and off to regulate the voltage applied tothe heater 14 by the power supply 1. Also during the regulating periodof the duty cycle, the resistance measurement enable signal RES_MEAS_ENis disabled such that resistance measurement transistor U2 is maintainedin the OFF (or open) state.

During the resistance measurement period, the heater power controltransistor U1 is switched to the OFF (open) state, while the resistancemeasurement transistor U2 is maintained in the ON (closed) state for agiven time interval sufficient to allow the microcontroller 905 toacquire a voltage sample from the output of the OP-AMP 947. In oneexample, the given time interval may be less than or equal to about 4 ms(e.g., about 1 ms).

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating an example embodiment of a methodof operating the control circuit 200 in the resistance measurementphase. The method shown in FIG. 17 is performed during the resistancemeasurement period of the duty cycle during a puff event.

Referring to FIG. 17, in response to attaching a cartridge including aheater element (e.g., first section 70) to the battery section (e.g.,second section 72), at step S1702 the microcontroller 905 initiates acounter value i for the cartridge to zero. The microcontroller 905utilizes the counter value i to track the number of (e.g., consecutive)times power to the heater 14 is cutoff for the attached cartridge.

After initializing the counter value i, when the sensor 16 detects apuff event at step S1704, the microcontroller 905 measures/samples theoutput voltage V_(op-amp) from the OP-AMP 947 at step S1706. Themicrocontroller 905 then generates an updated digital representation(CODE_(ADC_1)) of the output voltage V_(op-amp) of the OP-AMP 947 basedon the sampled output voltage V_(op-amp).

At step S1708, the microcontroller 905 then calculates the percentagechange in resistance % ΔR between the initial measured resistance of thecoil R_(coil_0) and the current resistance R_(coil_1) of the heater 14based on the updated digital representation CODE_(ADC_1) of the outputvoltage V_(op-amp) of the OP-AMP 947 according to Equation (2) shownbelow.

$\begin{matrix}{{\%\;\Delta\; R} = {\frac{R_{{{coil}\_}1} - R_{{{coil}\_}0}}{R_{{{coil}\_}0}} = \frac{\left( {R_{{coil}_{\; 0}} + R_{1}} \right)^{2}\left( {{CODE}_{{ADC}_{1}} - {CODE}_{{{ADC}\_}0}} \right)}{\begin{matrix}{R_{{{coil}\_}0}\left\lbrack {2^{10}R_{1}\frac{R_{2} + \frac{R_{3}R_{4}}{R_{3} + R_{4}}}{\frac{R_{3}R_{4}}{R_{3} + R_{4}}}} \right.} \\\left. {\left( {{CODE}_{{ADC}_{1}} - {CODE}_{{ADC}_{0}}} \right)\left( {R_{{coil}_{\; 0}} + R_{1}} \right)} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}}}} & (2)\end{matrix}$

After calculating the percentage change in resistance % ΔR, at stepS1710 the microcontroller 905 determines whether to cut power to theheater based on a comparison between the calculated percent change inresistance % ΔR and a threshold percentage change % R_(TH). If thecalculated percentage change in resistance % ΔR exceeds (e.g., isgreater than) the threshold percentage change % R_(TH), then at stepS1711 the microcontroller 905 cuts power to the heater 14 by disablingthe heater power control signal HEAT_PWR_CTRL thereby setting the heaterpower control transistor U1 to the OFF state (open).

The microcontroller 905 then increments the counter value i at stepS1712, and determines whether the counter value i exceeds a counterthreshold LOCK_TH at step S1714. The counter threshold LOCK_THrepresents a threshold number of times the power to the heater 14 forthe current cartridge may be temporarily cutoff before further vaping bythe adult vaper using the current cartridge is prevented. The countervalue i exceeds the counter threshold LOCK_TH if the counter value isgreater than or equal to the counter threshold LOCK_TH. In one example,the counter threshold LOCK_TH may be about 5, but example embodimentsshould not be limited to this example.

If the microcontroller 905 determines that the counter value i exceedsthe counter threshold LOCK_TH, then at step S1716 the microcontroller905 prevents power from reaching the heater 14 until the currentcartridge is removed and replaced. As with step S1711, themicrocontroller 905 cuts power to the heater 14 by disabling the heaterpower control signal HEAT_PWR_CTRL thereby setting the heater powercontrol transistor U1 to the OFF state (open).

Returning to step S1714, if the counter value i does not exceed thecounter threshold LOCK_TH (i<LOCK_TH), then the process returns to stepS1704 and the method continues as discussed above upon detection of anext puff event by the sensor 16.

Returning now to step S1710, if the microcontroller 905 determines % ΔRdoes not exceed the threshold percentage change % R_(TH) (% ΔR<%R_(TH)), and thus, power to the heater 14 need not be cutoff, then themicrocontroller 905 re-initializes the counter value i to zero at stepS1702, and continues as discussed above upon detection of a next puffevent by the sensor 16.

Although Equation (2) provides a complete analytic solution of thechange in resistance, some assumptions may be made to simplify theequation. One assumption is that the resistance change is relativelysmall so that some intermediate steps may be linearized using Taylorexpansion, thereby resulting in Equation (3) shown below.

$\begin{matrix}{{\%\;\Delta\; R} = {\frac{R_{{{coil}\_}1} - R_{{{coil}\_}0}}{R_{{{coil}\_}0}} = {\frac{\left( {{CODE}_{{ADC}_{1}} - {CODE}_{{ADC}_{0}}} \right)}{2^{10}}\frac{\frac{R_{3}R_{4}}{R_{3} + R_{4}}}{R_{2} + \frac{R_{3}R_{4}}{R_{3} + R_{4}}}\left( {\frac{R_{1}}{R_{{coil}_{\; 0}}} + 2 + \frac{R_{{coil}_{\; 0}}}{R_{1}}} \right)}}} & (3)\end{matrix}$

Because of a potentially increased quiescent current draw, to use thecapacitive touch channel on the microcontroller 905, the control circuit200 may detect an effect of an adult vaper's body on the resistance ofthe circuit in at least one example embodiment. Differences in skinmoisture should not affect the ability of the circuit to respond to anadult vaper's input.

As discussed above, according to one or more example embodiments, themode control transistor 920 may be a MOSFET or NMOS transistor and mayprovide more reliable detection even when sensitivity of the capacitancemeasurement is decreased.

In at least one other example embodiment, a diode (not shown) may beadded to the charge controller input. In this example, the diode acts asan open circuit until a charge voltage is present across the secondcontact 320 and the first contact 310.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a control circuit according to another exampleembodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, an adult vaper's commands may bedetected through changes in resistance, rather than capacitance. In thisexample, the second contact 320 is the charge cathode, which iselectrically connected to the negative terminal 70 of the power supply.The first contact 310′ is the charge anode, which is electricallyconnected to an input of an analog-to-digital (ADC) 1010 included in themicrocontroller 905′.

According to at least this example embodiment, the microcontroller 905′may be configured to detect a resistance between the charge anode 310′and the charge cathode 320′. When an adult vaper places, for example, afinger on the across the charge anode 310′ and the charge cathode 320′,the connection between the charge anode 310′ and the charge cathode 320′is closed thereby changing the resistance of the input to themicrocontroller 905′. The microcontroller 905′ detects this change inresistance to detect a touch input by the adult vaper.

The circuit of FIG. 7 may allow for a lower quiescent current draw. Theresistive detection circuit may be configured as an interrupt to themicrocontroller 905′, which may allow for the microcontroller 905′ andaccessories to be in a low power sleep state until an adult vaper closesthe circuit by touching the second contact 320 of the e-vaping device60, which wakes the e-vaping device 60 so that an appropriate responseto the touch may be given.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a control circuit according to yet anotherexample embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the firstcontact 310″ is a charge anode, which is electrically connected to acharge controller 1120 via a diode 1140. The first contact 310″ is alsoelectrically connected to the capacitive input 1110 of themicrocontroller 905″ via a resistor 1100. In this example, the controlcircuit enables both resistive touch detection and capacitive touchdetection by the e-vaping device 60.

According to at least this example embodiment, a more sensitiveresistance measurement may be used to wake the e-vaping device 60 whenan adult vaper touches the second contact 320 of the e-vaping device 60.After measuring the resistance, capacitance is measured to verify thatthe adult vaper has touched the second contact 320, and to suppressquiescent current draw requirements of circuits utilizing capacitivetouch detection alone.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a charger of an e-vaping deviceaccording to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the battery 1 ofthe e-vaping device 60 of FIGS. 1-8 may be recharged using a charger500.

In at least one example embodiment, the charger 500 includes a housing510 including a top wall 520. The top wall 520 may be rounded and/orgenerally bell-shaped or dome-shaped in cross-section, such that sideportions of the top wall 520 are angled downward from a central portionof the top wall 520. The housing 510 may also include a sidewall 530connected to the top wall 520. The top wall 520, at least one sidewall530, and a bottom wall 535 (shown in FIG. 12) define an internalcompartment that houses a charging circuit as discussed below. Thehousing 510 may be formed from one or more pieces of a material, such asa plastic or a metal.

In at least one example embodiment, the sidewall 530 has generallyrounded corners, such that the sidewall 530 extends entirely about aperimeter of the charger 500. In at least one example embodiment, thesidewall 530 is integrally formed with the top wall 520, and edges wherethe sidewall 530 and top wall 520 meet are generally rounded.

In other example embodiments, the housing 510 may include four sidewalls530 that meet at corners (not shown).

In at least one example embodiment, a charging slot 540 is formed in thetop wall 520 of the housing 510. The charging slot 540 may be generallycylindrical. The charging slot 540 is defined by a bottom wall 600 andat least one internal side wall 610. The charging slot 540 may be sizedand configured to receive the second end 220 of the e-vaping device 60.The bottom wall 600 may be generally flat. In other example embodiments,the bottom wall 600 may include bumps or curves.

In at least one example embodiment, a light pipe 550 substantiallysurrounds the charging slot 540. The light pipe 550 is generally tubularin shape, such that when the second end 220 of the e-vaping device 60 isinserted in the charging slot 540, the second end 220 passes through thelight pipe 550. The light pipe 550 may include an extension 550 a thatextends through an internal compartment 525 and through a portion of thesidewall 530, such that the extension 550 a is visible at a first end605 of the charger 500. The light pipe 550 may be formed of asubstantially transparent material that allows light from the e-vapingdevice 60 to be viewed while the e-vaping device 60 is docked in thecharging slot 540. An apex 505 of the top wall 520 may be about a sameheight as a top surface of the light pipe 550.

In at least one example embodiment, the charger 500 also includes a USBplug 560. In other example embodiments, instead of a USB plug 560, amini-USB plug or other power connection plug may be included with thecharger 500. The charger 500 may be connected to a power source via theUSB plug 560 to allow charging of the battery 1 of the e-vaping device60 connected to the charger 500.

In at least one example embodiment, the housing 510 is smooth. In otherexample embodiments, the housing 510 may include bumps and/or ridgesthat assist in gripping of the charger 500 when plugging the USB plug560 into an outlet or removing the USB plug 560 from the outlet.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the charger of FIG. 10 according to at leastone example embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the chargerof FIG. 10 along line XII-XII according to at least one exampleembodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the charger 500 is the same as inFIG. 9. As shown, the charger 500 includes a first charging contact 630and a second charging contact 640. At least one of the first chargingcontact 630 and the second charging contact 640 may be magnetic. Thefirst charging contact 630 has a T-shaped cross-section with a circular,flat top surface projecting up into the charging slot 540. The firstcharging contact 630 is sized and configured to attract and/or contactthe first contact 310 of the e-vaping device 60 so as to form a firstelectrical connection therewith and align the second end 220 of thee-vaping device 60 within the charging slot 540. The second chargingcontact 640 is cylindrical with a top surface having in inwardlyprojecting flange. The second charging contact 640 surrounds the firstcharging contact 630, and is electrically insulated from the firstcharging contact 630 by an insulator 635. The insulator 635 iscylindrical with a top surface having an outwardly projecting flange.The second charging contact 640 is sized and configured to attractand/or contact the second contact 320 of the e-vaping device 60 so as toform a second electrical connection therewith and align the second end220 of the e-vaping device 60 within the charging slot 540. The firstcharging contact 630 and/or the second charging contact 640 may beformed of magnetic stainless steel or any other suitable material thatprovides good conduction and is magnetic.

As shown in FIG. 12, the internal components of the charger 500 areshown arranged within the internal compartment 525. As shown, the USBplug 560 extends through a sidewall 520 of the housing 510 into theinternal compartment 525. The USB plug 560 is in direct electricalcommunication with a charger printed circuit board 650, which is inelectrical communication with the first charging contact 630 and thesecond charging contact 640 via leads 645, 647. A magnet 683 ispositioned beneath a portion of the second charging contact 640 andbetween the insulator 635 and the second charging contact 640. Theflanges of the insulator 635 and the second charging contact 640 extendover the top surface of the magnet 683. The magnet 683 is cylindricaland the first charging contact 630 extends through a center of themagnet 683. The first charging contact 630 may be biased upwards intothe charging slot by a spring 632 disposed within the insulator 635 suchthat the first charging contact 630 has a top surface that is above atop surface of the second charging contact 640 when no e-vaping device60 is inserted in the charging slot 540. FIG. 13 shows an exploded viewof a charger contact assembly of the charger of FIGS. 9-12. FIG. 11 isan exploded view of the charger of FIG. 9. In at least one exampleembodiment, a shroud 675 at least partially surrounds the light tube550. The shroud 675 may substantially prevent and/or reduce visibilityof light through a portion of the light tube 550. As shown, the lighttube 550 may include a first tubular portion 552, and the extension 554,which extends through an outlet in the sidewall 525.

Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understoodthat other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to oneskilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of thefollowing claims.

We claim:
 1. A battery section of an electronic vaping device, thebattery section comprising: a housing extending in a longitudinaldirection, the housing having a first end and a second end; a powersupply in the housing; a control circuit in the housing, the controlcircuit configured to operate in a charging mode and a touch input mode;and a conductive contact assembly at the second end of the housing, theconductive contact assembly electrically connecting the power supply andthe control circuit, the conductive contact assembly including a firstcontact and a second contact, and the conductive contact assemblyconfigured to receive external power and at least one touch inputcommand; wherein, in the touch input mode, the control circuit isconfigured to disable charging of the power supply through the firstcontact, and monitor the first contact and the second contact for the atleast one touch input command; and wherein, in the charging mode, thecontrol circuit is configured to disable monitoring of the first contactand the second contact for the at least one touch input command, andenable charging of the power supply through the first contact.
 2. Thebattery section of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured todetect a change in resistance, a change in capacitance, or both a changein resistance and a change in capacitance, so as to detect the at leastone touch input command.
 3. The battery section of claim 1, wherein thefirst contact is configured as a charge anode in the charging mode; thesecond contact is configured as a charge cathode in the charging mode;and the control circuit includes a switch configured to electricallyseparate the charge cathode from a common ground plane.
 4. The batterysection of claim 1, wherein the second contact is insulated from thefirst contact.
 5. The battery section of claim 1, wherein the firstcontact or the second contact is ring-shaped and the first contact orthe second contact forms at least a portion of an end wall of thebattery section, the end wall extending transverse to the longitudinaldirection.
 6. The battery section of claim 5, wherein the first contactis the end wall and the second contact is ring-shaped and extends abouta perimeter of the end wall.
 7. The battery section of claim 5, whereinthe end wall is opaque.
 8. The battery section of claim 6, wherein theconductive contact assembly further comprises: an end cap housingconfigured to hold the first contact therein, the end cap housingincluding at least one slot.
 9. The battery section of claim 8, whereinthe second contact is integrally formed with at least one tab extendingin the longitudinal direction, the at least one tab configured to bereceived in the at least one slot.
 10. The battery section of claim 8,wherein the end cap housing includes a cylindrical sidewall defining anorifice extending through the end cap housing, a first portion of thecylindrical sidewall being received within the housing at the second endthereof, and a second portion of the cylindrical sidewall not within thehousing, the second portion being transparent.
 11. The battery sectionof claim 5, wherein the end wall includes a printed circuit board. 12.The battery section of claim 1, wherein the first contact, the secondcontact, or both the first contact and the second contact, are magnetic.13. The battery section of claim 1, wherein the first contact, thesecond contact, or both the first contact and the second contact, areformed of stainless steel, gold, silver, a combination thereof or asub-combination thereof.
 14. An electronic vaping device comprising: ahousing extending in a longitudinal direction, the housing having afirst end and a second end; a power supply in the housing; a controlcircuit in the housing, the control circuit configured to operate in acharging mode and a touch input mode; a conductive contact assembly atthe second end of the housing, the conductive contact assemblyelectrically connecting the power supply and the control circuit, theconductive contact assembly including a first contact and a secondcontact, and the conductive contact assembly configured to receiveexternal power and at least one touch input command; a reservoirconfigured to contain a pre-vapor formulation; and a heater configuredto heat pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir, the heaterelectrically connected to the power supply; wherein, in the touch inputmode, the control circuit is configured to disable charging of the powersupply through the first contact, and monitor the first contact and thesecond contact for the at least one touch input command; and wherein, inthe charging mode, the control circuit is configured to disablemonitoring of the first contact and the second contact for the at leastone touch input command, and enable charging of the power supply throughthe first contact.
 15. The electronic vaping device of claim 14, whereinthe control circuit is configured to detect a change in resistance, achange in capacitance, or both a change in resistance and a change incapacitance, so as to detect the at least one touch input command. 16.The electronic vaping device of claim 14, wherein the first contact isconfigured as a charge anode in the charging mode; the second contact isconfigured as a charge cathode in the charging mode; and the controlcircuit includes a switch configured to electrically separate the chargecathode from a common ground plane.
 17. The electronic vaping device ofclaim 14, wherein the second contact is insulated from the firstcontact.
 18. The electronic vaping device of claim 11, wherein thesecond contact is ring-shaped and the first contact forms at least aportion of an end wall, the end wall extending transverse to thelongitudinal direction.
 19. The electronic vaping device of claim 18,wherein the conductive contact assembly further comprises: an end caphousing configured to hold the first contact therein, the end caphousing including at least one slot, wherein the second contact isintegrally formed with at least one tab extending in the longitudinaldirection, and the at least one tab is configured to be received in theat least one slot.
 20. The electronic vaping device of claim 14, whereinthe electronic vaping device includes a battery section and a firstsection; the battery section contains the power supply, the controlcircuit, and the conductive contact assembly; and the first sectioncontains the reservoir and the heater.
 21. A universal serial bus (USB)charger configured to charge a separate electronic vaping device, theUSB charger comprising: a housing including, a top wall having acharging slot, the charging slot configured to receive an end of theseparate electronic vaping device, a first charger contact in thecharging slot, the first charger contact configured to contact a firstcontact of the separate electronic vaping device when the separateelectronic vaping device is inserted into the charging slot, a secondcharger contact in the charging slot, the second charger contactconfigured to contact a second contact of the separate electronic vapingdevice when the separate electronic vaping device is inserted into thecharging slot, a bottom wall opposite the top wall, and at least onesidewall between the top wall and the bottom wall; at least one magnetadjacent to the charging slot; and a light pipe encircling the chargingslot and extending from the charging slot to an external surface of theUSB charger, the light pipe configured to transmit light from theseparate electronic vaping device to the external surface of the USBcharger when the separate electronic vaping device is inserted into thecharging slot, the light indicating a charge status of the separateelectronic vaping device.
 22. The USB charger of claim 21, wherein thehousing defines an internal compartment; and the USB charger furtherincludes charger circuitry contained within the internal compartment,the charger circuitry in communication with the first charger contactand the second charger contact.
 23. An electronic vaping device,comprising: a battery section including a first housing extending in alongitudinal direction; a power supply in the first housing, the powersupply configured to provide power to a heater coil when the batterysection is engaged with a cartridge section including a reservoir andthe heater coil; and a control circuit including a resistancemeasurement circuit and a controller, the control circuit configured tosample an output voltage from the resistance measurement circuit,generate a digital code representation of the sampled output voltage,re-sample an output voltage from the resistance measurement circuit inresponse to detection of a puff event, generate a digital coderepresentation of the re-sampled output voltage, calculate a percentagechange in resistance of the heater coil based on the digital coderepresentation of the sampled output voltage and the digital coderepresentation of the re-sampled output voltage, and control power tothe heater coil based on a comparison between a threshold percentagechange in resistance and the calculated percentage change in resistanceof the heater coil.
 24. The electronic vaping device of claim 23,wherein the control circuit is further configured to cutoff power to theheater coil in response to determining that the calculated percentagechange in resistance of the heater coil exceeds the threshold percentagechange in resistance.